Red Lion, Lower Withington in Cheshire East

Nice relaxed place to visit. Dogs most welcome which is a bonus and staff are lovely

We'd read many good reviews and were in the area so we thought we'd have Sunday lunch here. First red flag - there was no smell of food cooking! Second red flag - we were sat at a table wondering whether it was table service or bar service, either is fine but it would be nice to be told. We assumed bar service as no-one spoke to us for at least 10 minutes. Third red flag - only chicken on the Sunday roast menu. We ordered the half roast chicken, a burger, chicken caesar burger and a children's fish and chips. When the food arrived, the chef in all their wisdom deemed it appropriate to pour the watery gravy on the roast and serve on a very flat plate where the waitress left a trail of gravy behind her, spilt it on herself, on my leg and on the table, rather than just using a jug. When presented with the roast to say it looked unappetising is an under statement, none of it was hot, the 'roast' potatoes were stale, cold in the middle and anaemic. The mash was nuked to within an inch of it's existence and the stuffing ball was just a soft soggy mess. The chicken itself was lukewarm and half a carrot was just haphazardly thrown on the plate. I was asked how the food was and I explained the above and the waitress said she would go and get the chef but they never came, probably busy microwaving someone else's meal. She offered to replace the meal and I refused as if it were to be made properly it would be another 25 minutes at least and the rest of the table had already started their meals and I knew my 4 year old wouldn't last that long. But why wasn't it properly prepared to start off with? The other meals were mediocre at best but mine was truly awful, if you expect a customer to pay £19 for the meal in the photo then you really should get your heads tested as you are insulting our intelligence! The burgers were £15 to £17 - again how in good conscience can you charge customers those prices - a severe case of over promising and under delivering. Avoid like the plague unless you want to be parted with your hard earned cash - there are so many amazing pubs in a 5 mile radius pick ANY one of those instead. I honestly believe I'm being generous with the 1 star, if I could give zero I would.

We, and our dogs, had a very warm welcome. The lounge was warm and cheerful and the lunch was beautifully cooked and presented. All very fresh and tasty. Full marks from us!

If you like overly salty food then this is the place for you. In my opinion the Food was minging 🤢

Went for a weekend meal out. Service was attentive and prompt, food was delicious, and drinks crisp! Dog was very welcome also which is a plus! Lovely seated area out back with a play area for the kids so you can enjoy your food in peace! (We had the burger, fish and chips and a waffle (with fresh honeycomb and ice cream) 10/5 stars!

Nice country pub. The steak and ale pale had a nice flavour but the gravy was too watery. Dog friendly in the bar and the staff were helpful. Clean and tidy.

Booked a table for 19.45 on Saturday night. We wanted the small plate/seniors but were told on arrival that they weren't available as there was only one chef in the kitchen. Was then told 3 of the items on the main menu were also unavailable but we still decided to stay and chose food off the remaining menu. We were told at 20.45 (after waiting an hour) that the food wouldn't be long! I had chosen scampi and chips and when the meal did arrive I was told that there were only 7 pieces of scampi as they had ran out. I was offered a drink and had a Coke as was driving. My partner chose the sweet potato, spinach and coconut curry. There was one sweet potato cube, no spinach at all and no taste of coconut either. They really should either close the kitchen in these circumstances or warn people that there is a limited menu when they book. This was our first time at this pub and was really looking forward to it but won't go again.

We booked for Sunday lunch. We were told that there was a limited menu due to the butcher not delivering which is absolutely fair enough. The choice was pork loin or chicken. We had both so we can share. The pork was cold and dry. The vegetables were barely cooked and definitely no roasted vegetables were used in the making , which is surprising given that the wait time was 45 minutes. We were asked if everything was OK and I said I would talk to the person later. I wanted to speak personally rather than doing this ,but all eye contact was avoided, the bar was busy on paying and I didn't get the opportunity to do this. On the very positive side, customer service was excellent as was the welcome both for us and our dog. The presentation of the food was also good just not the cooking of the meal which was a real shame

Called in for a drink, nice pub, super dog friendly. Landlord was very welcoming.

Just been for a pub lunch and a couple of drinks. Landlord and land lady very welcoming. Really good atmosphere with excellent food and service. Very reasonably priced I have a feeling this is going to be my new local. A proper country pub.

Visited April 2024 change of Landloyd/landlady really nice people and helpfull, previous manager was a miserable bugger. change now for the better, we had lovely meals and robinsons beer. Nice pub inside and outside. Well worth a visit now.

Went in for a drink, staff friendly, and they had Guinness 00,brilliant.

Although quiet at lunchtime, both the landlord and waiting on staff (Bec) were welcoming and were interested in us. There were some locals who came in too and also were friendly and engaged in conversation. Very tasty food,

This has got to be the best Pub dinner I Harv ever had. The starters were amazing. I got a prawn cocktail and my boyfriend got the black pudding fritters, both of which were totally delightful. For main I had the sweet potato curry and he got the fish and chips. The curry was beautiful and so tasty. The fish was amazing too, there were no complaints at all. Portion sizes were just right, not too big not too small. If we had room in our stomach we would have gotten desserts but we will have a look next time for desserts.

Visited the area and popped in for food and drink with our dogs, the lady behind the bar was lovely, the food was brilliant (Cajun chicken burger and fish and chips) the gentleman who also brought out food out and some water and treats for the dogs was brilliant! Will return again if back in the area!

We visited the Red Lion yesterday, mid-way through a country walk in the area. As soon as we arrived, we received a very warm welcome from Kerry and Pete, and their very cute dog Dotty! The pub is lovely, with lots of space to sit both inside and outside, and it's in a really peaceful location. We both had a Sunday roast - one meat and one vegetarian - and they were delicious. Kerry and Pete told us they took over the Red Lion last year, and are working hard to make it a great place to visit. If you're looking for a gorgeous country pub in the area, please give them a visit, we'd highly recommend it :-)

4 cars in car park on a Saturday bank holiday weekend says it all. Overpriced and very poor. More fish on a fish finger than gluten free fish!

Stayed at the Welltrough Farm campsite and went for a few drinks and tea in a Saturday evening. More pleasant service than last year, great food & drink. Dog friendly too. Definitely worth a visit.

Nice ale and decent seating outside Only had drinks....

Small walking group went for lunch on Wednesday. We were greeted warmly and had a lovely meal at a very reasonable price. Even the two muddy dogs were welcomed.

What a shame there's only 5 Stars as would definitely have given more. The attentive Staff as soon as you arrive and lovely to chat to, and then there's the amazing food and if course our dog Aurora loved the homemade Pork Scratchings lol

Staff were very welcoming on our arrival, so attentive not just with us, but with our dogs too which we appreciated. A very warm and friendly atmosphere with chatty locals too. Just needs a few more food options on the menu and it would score a 5/5.

Astoundingly excellent quality food and warm, friendly and prompt service. Highly recommended

Great country eating pub & coffee shop...Hosts Pete & Kerry offer a great selection of quality home cooked food from thier house chef Gary. The Steak pie, mash & veg was excellent as was the roast pork & stuffing sandwich with frys. Large car park & very easy access into the bar & food areas. The pub is nicely decorated with real fires. The bar itself has comfy seating and a good drinks selection & real ales. Pete & Kerry are pleasant & friendly. The pub is DOG FRIENDLY!!! Well situated in a rural setting and close to neighbouring towns & markets. Excellent, well worth a visit. Very clean & smart place. Great outside for sunny days. GL aka GS

Excellent pub with large carpark. Ideal watering hole after a walk

Staff went above and beyond for us. Lovely pub with lovely food

We called in for a drink with our little boy. The owners and staff were so friendly and welcoming. Lovely fire and fantastic selection of snacks. Thank you

Fantastic food and service last night!

Great. Very dog friendly and great staff.

Just visited The Red Lion for tea. Excellent food, very tasty and freshly cooked, very reasonably price for the quality and very good service. Will definitely be returning.

Great food in a very pleasant surrounding country pub.noticed they have coffee shop attached which we will have to use next time we go during the day. Great beer selection together with very attentive staff will definitely be going back soon.

Our cycling club called in to the newly open cafe after a ride on Saturday morning. We were met with a very warm welcome and they were more than happy to move a couple of tables around to accommodate the 10 of us. The coffee was good and the food well presented and tastey. The prices were reasonable and service friendly. Well definitely be stopping there again.

Absolutely great service. The management were so friendly and accommodated every request. Me and my partner asked for chicken wings and salt and pepper loaded fries. I was told they didn’t have chicken wings so the chef would improvise. We were served fresh, homemade chicken tenders and they were the best tenders I have ever eaten! The salt and pepper chips were better than any chinese i’ve been too! Absolutely will be coming back for more!

On a party of six table the Gibsons today. Very friendly atmosphere with staff, good service, fish and steaks done to perfection. Portion size just right, not overfacing. Pitch ale recommended 👌. If I lived in Congleton, I would be a regular. Keep up the good work and Merry Christmas to you all. John

We visited for a Sunday lunch as we were staying at the glamping site next door. Food was great and the communication when booking was seamless. Kerry specifically got chicken in for me as it wasn’t originally available on the menu - this level of service is impeccable. Thank you Kerry & Pete, we thoroughly enjoyed our country lunch!

Lovely evening with friends and family at The Red Lion. Food and service were excellent.

A thousand times nicer now it’s under new ownership. The landlord and landlady are extremely welcoming and the pub now has a lovely inviting atmosphere. Lovely rustic, country pub.

Really nice friendly pub. Visited here with my friend and we gad lunch. Food was amazing and the landlady was really nice, we will be back.

Great little pub, the comedy night was top!

Great place with a fantastic vibe… Sirloin Steak was great 👍🏻

New landlords, Kerry and Pete are fantastic. The hospitality is second to none, the atmosphere is warm and friendly and the food is delicious.

Well what great local boozer good food excellent ale which is kept well. Fabulous staff . We visited from the caravan site .5 miles away which is easy to stagger back to .all the best to the new owners

What a great place. The owners, Pete and Kerry are both super friendly and the food, omg, is brilliant. If you're ever passing please please drop in you'll not regret it.

Spent the best part of 2hrs chatting & laughing with the owners Kerry & Pete and local gent called Ian. I had booked a table for hubby's birthday but regrettably the online booking didn't go through. This did not stop us from having a great time and a meal. Kerry couldn't apologize enough for the misshap, not her fault, she said the chef was still on the premise and that a food order was not a problem. So we ordered Sunday roast dinner and we were not disappointed, the food arrived hot and was delicious to say the least, compliments to the chef. Had a great night chatting about life in general and ended up with jaw ache from laughing. Want to wish Kerry and Pete all the very best on their new venture and plans for the future. It was an absolute pleasure talking and getting to know two amazing people XX

Me and my girlfriend went for Sunday dinner and was blown away by the amazing welcome we received a smile and a hello made our day the service was fantastic had time to choice what we wanted we ended up having a starter and a main and a beer the price was great we can not fault kerry and Peter and there staff big thanks for a great time Carol n Joanne

Great food and friendly relaxed atmosphere.

We went for lunch today and absolutely loved the food, the new owners and staff are absolutely lovely, welcoming and friendly! Such a lovely atmosphere can’t wait to visit again.

Lovely new owners who made us very welcome and a great Sunday lunch with cauliflower cheese to die for - we will be back!

I have given 3 stars as we never actually ate there. The new landlords had only taken over the day before so we're not quite ready for business. They were very helpful though and pointed us to another establishment. Just wanted to wish them the very best in their new venture. Just changed to 5 star, simply because I don't want my 3 stars to impact on their new business. We will pop in next time we are in the area

Great beer in a fantastic pub 5 minutes walk from the caravan park we were staying at !! 👍👍

We went here with family.such a lovely place Very child friendly.good menu lots of choice The staff were very helpful & nice. We sat inside But there is a children's play area & lots of seating outside. Also a couple were sat outside with there dog & we might bring ours next time

Good quality pub food. Service could be better. Food not served but more thrown on to the table. Good range of drinks

Been to the Red Lion a few times now. The food is excellent traditional Pub Food with something for everyone on the menu. Lovely in the summer thanks to its rural location. When we went is quiet which suited us. Service was prompt but not intrusive, the owner behind the bar did everything for us.

Lovely country pub. Had a few drinks and a really really nice Caesar salad.

Lovely food very friendly pub nice pint

Staff have been rude twice that I’ve been there. First time the chicken burger was ridiculously small for the price. Second time in particular, couldn’t order from the kids menus (we weren’t that hungry) asked for recorderling long and his response was “are you going to tell me which one?” Not a laugh or smile and said it with an attitude. Never seem to have fish in, forgot two of my friends orders we sat for 30 minutes all eaten besides 2 people and I went to ask, kitchen had no idea about the order, the guy just blamed them 🤣 Looked baffled when I asked how much a pint of carling was. Only reason I’m giving it a 2 is because the second time we went the food was alright. Both times the pub has nobody in. Avoid, try the other pub in the area. I will be next time.

The Red Lion is a pleasant rural pub in a peaceful location that offers a very decent menu. I have dined there a few times and have always found the food to be of a good standard. The Car Park is large and parking is not an issue. It's a lovely place to be on a sunny afternoon and the location is a boon for walkers and cyclists alike. I understand the pub is also dog friendly so that's a plus for a few people. The drinks (and I can speak for the other pubs in the locality) can be a tad on the more expensive side but everything else is pretty much as a standard and you pay what you'd expect to pay for pub dining. All-in-all it's a really wonderful looking pub with a nice interior and a pleasant atmosphere. I will definitely do another visit soon.

fantastic. Steve was very welcoming and food was fantastic 👏

Really lovely pub in the Cheshire country side, really nice food and lovely walks around. You can sit in or out and just chill, very nice place.

Not exactly as posh as it used to be when my brother was the chef in the early 70s.

This used to be a reasonable pub, however the charming rural location and good food is spoiled by the remarkably sullen, unfriendly landlord. About as far from a warm welcome as you can get. I won't be returning.

A fabulous welcome. Food was outstanding I had salmon it was delicious and hot in temperature, a fine selection of wine s and my husband really enjoyed the cider on tap the best he has had . It’s a lovely clean pub really enjoyed our time Thankyou

Popped in for lunch on a wkd break, lovely homely feel, the food was absolutely delicious and great value. The service from Steve spot on, highly recommend and will be visiting again. Thank you

Lovely people and wonderful service

Walked through the fields from Welltrough Farm. Had a lovely pint of Robinsons ale. Ordered sandwiches and chips which we really enjoyed. Owner very friendly. Dog friendly too, even though we sat outside in the sunshine. Blankets and dog treats provided too

We were looking for a cafe but couldn't find one ,Came across the Red Lion,Steve the Landlord, aTrue Gentleman. Lovely Atmosphere ,Spoke to a number of lovely people there. Excellent food, Prawn Cocktails, Really Nice,The Roast Beef 😋 Dinner was 👌 Superb.My Husband had the Steak and Ale 🍺 Pie 🥧 and it was delicious 😋. Such a Lovely Peaceful Place ,Highly Recommended, Peaceful countryside setting..You will not be Disappointed.

Lovely place Very clean and attentive staff

Came here for food and a couple of drinks, my husband had pie of the day which was steak and ale and I had the cheese and onion pie, both were fantastic, dog friendly, great pub, short walk down from welltrough farm where we was staying

This is one of our favourites in the local area. The food is always delicious, (especially their steak and stout pie and lamb shank special) and prices are very, very good! Always impressed with the quality of the food and friendliness of staff. Have been a few times and will keep going.

Lovely, peaceful and friendly pub. The landlord makes you feel very welcome from the moment you walk in. Very attentive and helpfull. The food was amazing, portions just right and very nicely presented. Would definitely recomend if you are in the area

Called in after seeing the sign on the main road during an afternoon drive. Good food, nice surroundings, would recommend.

DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU ARE A CYCLIST. Bought a coffee and bag of crisps, then asked for a glass of water… The grumpy barman said my bottle wouldn’t fit. I replied saying that’s fine I’m only after a glass. He told me he hasn’t got time as there’s more people to be served and I could fill my bottle in the toilet !! Only one person stood behind me. I didn’t know how to reply. A business solely happy to take money 👍🏼

What a miserable owner, no wonder nearly always empty, needs a good happy atmosphere with upbeat staff, what is upwith you!!, you made us feel so unwelcome and we're locals?, no sandwiches on sunday, felt a total inconvenience, maybe new ownership will bring us and our friends back.red hit sunny day on a Sunday, and as you can see car park empty, I wonder why ?

Clean Good service, good food.

Very clean and staff were friendly

Had a couple of pints on Sunday the beer was in excellent form & a real friendly landlord spoke to a few folks who said the food was spot on, might give it a try next time we're passing, overall 👍

Great staff. Very friendly. Top service.

Thought the landlord a bit grumpy on arrival but he turned put to be very nice. Food was excellent, lovely homely atmosphere. Spotlessly clean too. Would recommend easily 👌

Only had a drink but such a lovely place. 10 minute walk from where I was staying. Really good range of drinks. Menu looked really good. Clean. Lovely log burner going.

Quite remote in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. Plenty of parking space. A well maintained and well run pub. Food excellent especially Sunday roasts. Robinsons beers. Sitting outside is a pleasure either on the front or around the back. I believe it is dog friendly although we generally sit outside with ours unless eating. Recommended.

Only had a drink can't comment on food - not much of an atmosphere - just a pub very clean and new - interesting If you like golf

Very nice pub. Plenty of outdoor seating, large car park and staff very friendly. I had a fish and chips and my partner had a cheese and onion pie. Both were excellent. Very good quality fish. Dog friendly. There’s also a field with horses next door which is nice

Stopped here after a ride out on the motorbikes, the food is always first class and plenty if it. We stopped off at another pub on the way round, but compared to the Red Lion the food was overpriced and nowhere near the standard here, and the staff are always friendly.

Nice little, friendly pub in the middle of some amazing countryside.

Good food selection well cooked. Good service

Very quiet when we went on Saturday. Food ok but was overpriced.

It was very quiet for a Saturday afternoon. It is a lovely Cheshire country pub . The menu is a typical pub grub burgers Gammon etc

Lovely pub in a gorgeous location, food was excellent!

Landlord a bit miserable, pint OK and food supposed to be good but last orders for food 6pm Sunday and shut Monday so went elsewhere

A very quite plase to go dog friendly. Abit of a waite for youre food but worth it . as the food was lovely when it arrived. Would go back .

Great place, good prices, clean beer and good food.

Lovely little place. Sat outside with my dog. Food was absolutely delicious portions very good sizes. The horses across the way were a lovely little treat to see. Would highly recommend this beautiful place with very friendly staff. Differently come again.

Empty of customers in our visit. Pub is NOT on cask marque...

Landlord was not very friendly.

A great pub with lovely food and good service. When my family and I went for a meal at the pub there were horses in the field opposite the establishment, which added to the charm of the country pub.

It worth the visit, food really tasty and well presented. Excellent service too.

Fowl language across two tables of regulars. Sticky tables. A lady was accused of stealing a menu by one of the locals when taking it to the doorway to read in the daylight. Barman turned a blind eye when one of the regulars called the lady a Bint! On the whole a very unpleasant experience for her. Unfortunately we sent her there as we have just opened a small caravan site and wanted her opinion for future campers. Obviously we will not be sending anyone else.

A lovely pub In the country lovely food specially the cheese and pate sharing platter Steve and wife very friendly

Really nice food. Had brie and cranberry to start and rib eye for main course, none of it disappointed

Great pub, so peaceful and a great beer garden